About Us

For over four decades, Congregation Am Haskalah has offered a home to Jews of the Lehigh Valley looking for a place to belong. We offer a creative, participatory approach to Judaism, blending tradition with innovation. With regular lay-led and rabbi-led services, community events, and education for all types of learners, we hope to make space for all our members to participate in our congregational life.

Our services and activities are generally held at Congregation Brith Sholom, 1190 West Macada Road in Bethlehem, PA. Email the office at [email protected] or call 610-435-3775.

Please check our updated calendar for the most accurate info.


Members of Am Haskalah are not mere observers, but have the opportunity to participate actively at the very center of Jewish communal life. Reconstructionism, based on the ideas of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, is for both intellectuals and mysticists. It accommodates for those who see Judaism as a religious community and those who view it as a community that goes beyond religion. Kaplan understood Judaism to be an “evolving religious civilization.”

We are a proud affiliate of Reconstructing Judaism.

Learn more about Reconstructing Judaism.


For me, Am Haskalah is wonderfully diverse, creative and traditional — all at the same time.

-Gale Maleskey

I knew from my first service that this is where we belonged — that here was a group of Jews who cared deeply about their religion and about each other.

-Cary Oshins

It’s a gift to feel so connected to Jewish tradition and learning while at the same time be firmly committed to diversity.

-Jenni Levy

Meet some of us in our Youtube video, The Heart of Am Haskalah, and find out why we love this congregation!